Benefits Associate (Human Resources Associate Representative)

Position Description

This position is responsible for providing entry level professional support for the Human Resources benefit function by administering the day-to-day employee benefits plans. Responsible for coordinating and supporting the City’s Family and Medical Leave and Paid Parental Leave.  

This is a temporary position for a duration of up to six (6) months.
 
Work Location: This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work with some days working remotely and some days working in the office.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Answers general benefits inquiries in person and via telephone (including 311) and electronic methods to include e-mail and ServiceNow.
• Administers the assigned benefit program including new enrollment and employee benefit election changes.
• Responds to general inquiries from Benefit vendors on employee enrollment and election changes.
• Monitors and audits monthly benefit vendor invoices and works with vendors to reconciling invoice challenges.
• Process all benefits related invoices
• Assists with the delivery of New Employee Benefits Orientation as needed, to deliver training to employees on the City’s employee benefits program.
• Oversees leave administration including Family Medical Leave of Absence (FMLA) and Paid Family Leave (PFL). 
• Working with the FMLA On-Site Specialist to coordinate FMLA and PFL requests, resolve more complex FMLA cases and to stay abreast of projects related to FMLA administration. 
• Responds to questions on leave of absence requests.   In collaboration with the On-Site Specialist develops trainings and educational materials for FMLA and PFL leaves.
•  Performs data entry into the HRIS system to reflect employee leave status.
•  Administers pre-tax transportation plans including MetroPass bus passes and pre-tax parking.

Working Conditions: Normal office setting

Required Qualifications

Minimum Education: Associates degree in Human Resources Administration or related field.

Minimum Experience: Three years of related job experience.

Preferred Experience:
One-year preferred experience supporting a human resources and/or benefits function
Experience with public sector financial systems

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and highly related experience in a similar environment may be considered.

A resume is required. You must attach an updated resume to your application

Selection Process
The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience 100%. It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions.  Only those candidates who attain a passing score 70% on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.
 
Background Check
The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Union Representation
This position is not represented by a collective bargaining agreement. For more information on the terms and conditions of employment please see the Civil Service Rules.
 
Eligible List Statement
The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration.  This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire two (2) months after it has been established.
 
Interview Selection
The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list.  If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate’s education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to participate as a team member in a variety of settings.

Knowledge of modern administration techniques.

Good written and verbal communication skills.

Strong problem solving analytical skills.

Ability to deal with multiple tasks.

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose—serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.